Man fatally struck by Caltrain in Palo Alto

A northbound Caltrain struck and killed a man in Palo Alto this morning, according to a Caltrain spokeswoman.

The preliminary investigation indicates the death is a suicide, according to Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn. The Santa Clara County Coroner will make the final determination.

The train struck the man at about 5:35 at the Charleston Avenue crossing, according to Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn. There were about 55 passengers on board at the time.

The incident temporarily closed tracks in both directions and caused major delays to the morning commute. Tracks were reopened in both directions at 8:40 a.m.

The Valley Transportation Authority is running a bus bridge between the Palo Alto and San Antonio stations is being set up, and Caltrain riders can expect delays to the morning commute.

At 6:40 a.m. Caltrain announced the southbound track has been opened. All passengers at the California Avenue and Palo Alto stations must board from the southbound platform. There will no trains stopping on the northbound platform.

It is the 11th fatality on Caltrain tracks this year. Of those, five have been determined to be caused by suicide. In 2011, there were 16 fatalities.